The Senate has warned that it will impose sanctions on any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) found neglecting financial compliance regulations outlined in the Auditor General’s report.
This warning was issued by Senator Garba Madoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, during a workshop on legislative oversight organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
Madoki expressed concern about the consistent failure of MDA heads to attend Senate summons and cautioned that the Senate would no longer tolerate any disregard for its resolutions.
He stated that strict action would be taken against any agency head who ignores Senate directives, stressing the need for a prompt response to the Auditor General’s findings.
The Auditor General’s latest report uncovered significant financial mismanagement in several MDAs, revealing that N105.66 billion had been misappropriated in violation of financial regulations, with N18.36 billion in contracts awarded without following the Public Procurement Act.
The AuGF had previously raised concerns over accountability, particularly given Nigeria’s constrained budget and revenue challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was represented at the workshop by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, emphasized the critical role of legislative compliance in ensuring effective governance.
“Making sure that MDAs adhere to legislative resolutions is not just a matter of oversight; it is vital for realizing the aspirations of Nigerians and fulfilling our duties as their representatives,” Akpabio stated. “Our role includes holding MDAs accountable to maintain public trust and drive progress on the national development agenda.”
Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, emphasized that legislative compliance strengthens public trust in government institutions, laying the foundation for sustainable development.
“Without adherence to compliance, our laws and regulations become ineffective,” he noted.
Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of NILDS, identified several challenges hindering MDA compliance, including weak enforcement, bureaucratic delays, and lack of political support.
He warned that these issues could erode public confidence in the government’s accountability.
